ASkME About ASME
American Society of Mechanical Engineers National Landmarks

Actually, you know what? Don’t ask me about ASME because I don’t know much about it. But I do know they have an interesting Landmarks program that has the cache of being an important federal program, but really isn’t.

[Note: if you somehow are here for the CSME - the American Society of Civil Engineers Landmark, Scroll to bottom.]

ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.

Well there you go.

Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmarks are existing artifacts or systems representing a significant mechanical engineering technology. They generally are the oldest extant, last surviving examples typical of a period, or they are machines with some unusual distinction.

Landmarks, sites and collections of historic importance to mechanical engineering are designated by ASME through its History and Heritage Landmarks Program. Landmark status indicates that the artifact, site or collection represents a significant step forward in the evolution of mechanical engineering and is the best known example of its kind. A plaque is presented for display, a commemorative brochure is prepared, and a roster is kept to promote long-term recognition and preservation efforts.

The breadth of our mechanical engineering heritage is evident in the landmarks program. Nearly 250 landmarks have been designated since the program began in 1971.

Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks

Oh those civil engineers! They came up with own list too but their one pick from Connecticut, the Rocky River Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Plant in Hartford, is also a mechanic engineering landmark. C’mon civil engineers! There must be more than just this one in the state! Weak effort… Then again, they design our crappy highways too.